The BBC iPlayer is fast becoming available on a huge range of products. The problem is, they all have to use the same interface, optimised for computer users. Until now.
Thankfully, though the BBC has adopted a “keep it simple, get it out fast” approach to enabling the iPlayer service to be used on as many devices as possible, it’s then going back and optimising it for each one.
Nintendo Wii Update
The first device to get this treatment is the Nintendo Wii, which secured the iPlayer back in April, becoming the first games console to get its own version.
On the BBC Internet Blog, Anthony Rose, head of BBC future media & technology, explained the change of interface, why it was an important development, and what could be around the corner in terms of the iPlayer.
Flash 7
Apparently the reason the interface wasn’t changed straight away was a combination of a desire to see how popular the service was going to be, and because the team was busy developing BBC iPlayer 2.0, which was released in June.
While the Wii received its own iPlayer, formatted to be compatible with the Flash 7 player that the Wii ships with, the interface was left the same as is familiar to PC users everywhere. Which is a problem due to the difference in screen size and ability to use the Wii Remote to navigate.
New Simple Interface
This issue has now been rectified with a new, more simple interface released that presents less options on screen at once and makes the page easier to operate with a Wii Remote.
Unfortunately, this hasn’t done anything to rectify the poorer quality video playback on the Wii, with the outdated Flash 7 offering lower video compression rates than the H.264 standard we’re all now used to.
PS3 iPlayer On Way
Rose finishes his article by stating that a PS3 version of the iPlayer is still on its way. Development was originally put back due to poor sales of the Sony console compared to the Nintendo one.
The PS3 has recently been updated with Flash 9 but there are apparently still compatibility issues preventing a simple port from happening.
Fine For Brits
The iPlayer is a magnificent service, and the fact that the BBC is trying to make it available on as wide a range of products as possible should be applauded.
Currently, whether you own a smartphone such as the Apple iPhone, a games console such as the Wii or a set-top box, BBC on-demand programming is available to you for free. Assuming of course you are British.
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